Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2024
604. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm the position in relation to a property in south Tipperary (details supplied) which has been used for housing Ukrainians; if his Department now plans to house IPAS applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24651/24]
View answerThere are currently over 30,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.
Ireland is currently experiencing an acute shortage of accommodation for people seeking International Protection (IPs). In order to minimise homelessness, the Department is availing of every possible vacancy within its portfolio of accommodation under contract.
In line with the recently announce accommodation strategy, as vacancies arise within existing properties under contract, including in those providing accommodation to people fleeing the war in Ukraine, where the provider agrees, the Department is availing of these spaces. A number of moves are currently being made to consolidate the portfolio of accommodation under contract for the provision of accommodation to beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs)in order to maximise the space available to the Department, and provide suitable accommodation for those seeking international protection.
In this context, Dundrum House Hotel is now a hybrid property accommodating people seeking International Protection and BOTPs. 80 beds, previously occupied by BOTPs but now vacant, have been identified in Dundrum House Hotel, Dundrum Co. Tipperary for use for accommodating IP applicants, and the overall capacity at this property remains the same.
